Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Some side effects will have signs or symptoms that you can see or feel. Your doctor may watch for others by doing certain tests.

Also, because of the way these medicines act on the body, there is a chance that they might cause other unwanted effects that may not occur until months or years after the medicine is used. These delayed effects may include certain types of cancer. Discuss these possible effects with your doctor.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Cough or hoarseness

fever or chills

lower back or side pain

pain

painful or difficult urination

skin rash or itching (sudden)

unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

Anxiety or nervousness

black, tarry stools

blood in the urine or stools

changes in vision

chest pain

confusion

cramps in lower legs

mental depression

nosebleed

numbness or tingling of the hands or feet

pinpoint red spots on the skin

shortness of breath

sleepiness

sore, red eyes

sores in the mouth or on the lips

stomach pain

swelling of the feet or lower legs

trouble with sleeping

unusual bleeding or bruising

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Diarrhea

headache

loss of appetite

muscle pain

nausea and vomiting

skin rash

Less common

Back pain

bloating or gas

constipation

dry skin

general feeling of discomfort or illness

itching

joint pain

weakness

weight loss

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.